What Hilton's 2024 Travel Trends Report Means for Your Hotel — Photo by iVvy

Earlier this month, Hilton released its highly anticipated third-annual travel trends report, providing valuable insights into the future of travel. Based on a global survey of over 10,000 travelers, video diaries with 60 U.S. travelers, and interviews with Hilton travel insiders, this report unveils the key trends that will reshape the travel industry beyond 2024.

Join me to delve into these projected trends and discover how your hotel can prepare for this dynamic future.

Business Travel Gets a Fresh New Look

In recent years, we've witnessed significant changes in the world of business travel. Shifting business dynamics and the evolving nature of work have given rise to new trends. One of the most prominent changes is the blurring line between business and leisure travel. Today, it's common for travelers to extend their stays and explore secondary markets for meetings and events. Surprisingly, over a third of Gen Z and Millennial business travelers now plan to combine business with pleasure, while 24% of global business travelers intend to bring along a friend or family member on their trips next year.

To cater to this evolving demand, offer flexible and dynamic workspaces. Consider converting areas within your hotel into coworking spaces with high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, and tech amenities. Additionally, integrating wellness offerings, such as fitness centres, spa facilities, and flexible dining options, can make business stays more appealing to professionals looking for a balance between work and relaxation.

Travel Will Become Driven By Experience

Travelers are increasingly prioritizing experiences over material possessions. According to the report, 64% of global travelers are willing to cut back on other expenses to enjoy leisurely escapades in 2024. Gastronomic adventures and thrilling experiences are high on travelers' lists, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way by allocating a significant portion of their budgets to these experiences.

To capitalize on this trend, rethink your approach to hospitality by creating immersive guest experiences. Partnering with local producers and communities can help curate personalized itineraries for guests. Additionally, integrating smart room features, instant booking engines, and hotel apps can enhance the overall guest experience. Creating social hubs within your hotel where guests can connect with fellow travelers can further enrich the travel experience.

Investing in Sleep: The Traveler's Secret Weapon

Quality sleep and personal wellness are taking centre stage in travel. The desire for rest has surged, with Gen Zers leading the way in prioritizing sleep. To meet this demand, offer a range of products and services that promote health and well-being. Consider providing luxurious bath products and herbal teas in rooms to create a relaxing in-room experience. Offering on-site fitness classes tailored to different preferences and fitness levels can also help guests maintain their exercise routines.

Enhance the sleep experience by offering optional room upgrades, such as blackout curtains and in-room massages. By prioritizing the well-being of your guests and providing diverse wellness offerings, you can create a holistic and rejuvenating experience that caters to the needs of today's travelers.

Continued Demand for Personalization

In 2024, travelers will seek extraordinary and seamless experiences tailored to their preferences. According to the report, 80% of global travelers prioritize the ability to book their entire trip online. Leverage your customer data to create personalized and memorable moments for guests, from booking to check-out. By analyzing guest data, such as the purpose of stay, travel companions, preferences, and past purchases, you can create an entirely personalised visit. complete with tailored amenities and experiences.

Preparing Your Hotel for Greater Guest Satisfaction in 2024

Hilton's latest trends report paints a vivid picture of the evolving travel landscape. Adapting to these shifts is crucial for hotels looking to thrive in this dynamic environment. By meeting changing guest expectations and delivering extraordinary experiences, your hotel can become a destination in itself—a place where travelers live, work, explore, and connect in ways that redefine the entire travel experience. Stay ahead of the curve and make the necessary preparations to ensure your hotel remains a sought-after destination in the travel world of 2024 and beyond.

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About iVvy

iVvy is a leading global SaaS cloud-based technology solution designed to streamline booking and event management operations for venues worldwide. Our comprehensive platform offers a range of powerful features, including instant booking functionality and centralised function diary, to enhance the efficiency and productivity of venue operators.

With an integrated revenue management and distribution platform, iVvy equips hotels, restaurants, stadiums, and universities with the necessary tools to seamlessly manage inquiries, bookings, and event logistics. Including advanced reporting and analytics features, iVvy offers venues greater visibility into their business performance. This invaluable data empowers decision-makers to make informed choices, optimise revenue, and maximise the utilisation of group rooms, meeting spaces, and event facilities.

iVvy's scalable solutions cater to the unique needs of the travel, MICE, and events industries. Our global team, available 24/7, provides dedicated support to clients in five countries, ensuring seamless operations and prompt assistance whenever required.

We are proud to serve some of the world's most renowned hospitality groups, major corporations, travel companies, governments, associations, stadiums, universities, and nonprofit organisations.

To learn more about iVvy and our comprehensive product suite, visit ivvy.com